BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: THE NAVIGATOR CHECKLIST DPN Training Chicago 11/04

SETTING STRONG ANCHORS

IDENTIFY WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER  Job seekers with disabilities  Individuals with disabilities who say they are uncertain about working.  One stop partners  Community agencies who support people with disabilities  Businesses

Where to find the information customers may need to help achieve employment goals?  Make a list of key agencies/contacts.  Start within your one stop or other partners. DVRS, SSA, community college, WIA  Expand list to include people from other local agencies, state & federal.

Take Initiative  Don’t wait for others to contact you.  Briefly explain who you are.  Request to meet.  Be flexible when/where to meet.  Expect short amount of time to meet.  Take advantage of any amount of time you can spend with key contact.

Staying afloat. Relationships are your life ring.

Your approach…  What can the Navigator do for them?  Establish trust. Listening is the key.  What do I want to learn from them?  A win/win situation so they want to keep in touch.  Navigator is a new concept; be prepared to have ideas of how you can be of assistance.

GIVE THEM THE COMPASS!

HOW MAKE OUTREACH SUCCESSFUL  Make them look good, give key info.  Help them invest in the partnership.  Follow up visit with thank you note.  Follow up visit with new information.  Invite them to present their expertise.  For one stop partners, share examples of your work in reports.

CALM WATERS OR WHITE CAPS? BE PREPARED

Changing environments  Building relations takes TIME.  Don’t get discouraged. You may go backwards before you plunge forward.  Small steps turn into destinations.  Build upon the positive. Fill your sails.  Recognize advantages & disadvantages. Focus on advantages.

Recognize the advantages… Rural Area vs City Advantages: Fewer agencies Increase likelihood of so it is likely you having more programs may know all key available at local level contact people. Disadvantages: May not have all More people to work of the programs with increases available in the challenges for area. Need more everyone to research & may work together. need to work more regionalize.

QUESTIONS? Mary Lynn ReVoir, Navigator Iowa Workforce Development Region 1 (Northeast) ext. 114 TTY Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program THANK